Dalton Cumbrian Facility A state-of-the-art national user facility for nuclear research and development
Dalton Cumbrian Facility The University of Manchester has established the world-leading Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) as a groundbreaking centre for academic research in the areas of radiation science and nuclear engineering decommissioning. The DCF is operated by the University s Dalton Nuclear Institute, which was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Queen s Anniversary Prize in 2011 in recognition of the quality and impact of its nuclear R&D and skills development. Access to the DCF by academic and industrial users is facilitated by a dedicated team who can advise and help shape experimental programmes to maximise the impact of research. Together with the University s access to Central Laboratory, the nearby 250m flagship R&D facility of the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), DCF establishes a truly unique academic research capability that is enabling the UK to expand engagement with international research programmes. The Facility is designed to accommodate around 50 postgraduate researchers, lecturers and operating personnel in a state-of-the-art experimental and analytical research, teaching and office environment.
A new world-class nuclear user facility Research at DCF The programmes undertaken at DCF are at the forefront of radiation science and nuclear engineering decommissioning research. Radiation Science: Comprehensive research into the effects of radiation on materials and chemistry The aim of DCF s radiation science research programme is to develop a mechanistic understanding of radiation-induced effects on chemical processes, and enhance our knowledge of the degradation of materials in nuclear environments. Research at DCF is led by the Facility s Director, Professor Simon Pimblott, one of the world s leading experts in the area of radiation science. The extensive irradiation facilities at the heart of DCF include:- A 5MV Tandem ion accelerator producing M z + ions with energy 5(Z+1) MeV: High current TORVIS source providing 10MeV 1 H+ at 100µamps, 15MeV 4 He 2 + at 15µamps Low current SNICS source providing partially and fully stripped heavy ions Six beamlines, three featuring high precision raster scanners Two irradiation vaults to enable parallel working and minimised downtime. From 2015 an additional 2.5MV single-ended accelerator will be installed at DCF, creating the world s highest energy dual beam accelerator system, and broadening the UK academic research capability in developing materials for use in Generation IV and fusion reactors. 5MV Ion Beam Accelerator High Dose Gamma Irradiator Foss Therapy Model 812 60 Co self-contained high dose rate gamma irradiator: 15kCi in dual source rod assemblies capable of delivering absorbed dose rates ranging from less than 4Gy/min to over 400Gy/min 9 litre sample chamber comprising 3 turntables and two 19mm entrance ports for maximum experimental flexibility.
A new world-class nuclear user facility Material Characterisation Laser-induced Diagnostics Underpinning the irradiation facilities at DCF is a suite of extensively equipped experimental laboratories, comprising: A Surface Science Laboratory providing the equipment to support fundamental experimental studies in the chemical and physical phenomena that occur at the surfaces of two phases. An Analytical Laboratory providing the scientific equipment to facilitate a wide range of wet chemistry techniques. A Materialography Laboratory providing the equipment to prepare samples to the exacting standards required to underpin materials research projects. A Characterisation Laboratory providing a range of optical and electron microscopy and Raman infrared spectroscopy equipment to enable detailed inspection of chemical and material samples. Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning: Industry-relevant research delivered at the heart of the UK nuclear industry The aim of DCF s nuclear engineering decommissioning research is to develop innovative techniques to aid the decontamination and deconstruction of nuclear facilities, and deliver an enhanced understanding of the behaviour and properties of radioactive waste. This research could lead to significant improvements in the safe, cost-effective treatment and ultimate disposal of radioactive material. Research is led by Professor Barry Lennox, the EPSRC-funded Chair in Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning. Strong ties developed with industry and access to key facilities ensure research is focussed on delivering impact through meeting clearly defined technical challenges.
A new world-class nuclear user facility Hot Cells at NNL Central Laboratory National Nuclear User Facility To underpin UK energy policy the Dalton Cumbrian Facility, NNL Central Laboratory and the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy have received new investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to develop a National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF). Launched by Government in its Nuclear Industrial Strategy* the NNUF creates a managed network of world-class experimental facilities accessible to universities and designed to enable the UK to significantly grow the quality and quantity of its nuclear R&D, and increase the impact of academic research in meeting future energy needs. Study at DCF Educational programmes at The University of Manchester include several programmes specific to the nuclear industry. The Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) hosts postgraduate students and provides them with access to internationally unique nuclear facilities for their research, including to NNL Central Laboratory at the nearby Sellafield site. DCF also offers a range of continuing professional development (CPD) courses for industry. DCF is ideally located in West Cumbria, at the heart of the UK nuclear industry and R&D capability. This provides an excellent location for industry-focussed research and mentoring delivered by leading nuclear experts from academia and industry. *HM Government (2013) Nuclear Industrial Strategy: The UK s Nuclear Future (Ref: BIS/13/627)
For further information contact Kevin Warren, Commercial Director of Dalton Cumbrian Facility, on: t: +44 (0)1946 508 851 m: +44 (0)7826 868 991 e: kevin.warren@manchester.ac.uk Dalton Cumbrian Facility The University of Manchester Westlakes Science & Technology Park Moor Row Cumbria CA24 3HA @DaltonNuclear DW.08.13 The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL Royal Charter Number RC000797